“Are you working hard or hardly working?” This question often gets a chuckle. Unfortunately, it’s less humorous as it has become increasingly more difficult to find hard-working help. Many employers are challenged daily by the frustration of lackadaisical attitudes of their personnel, which is seemingly contagious and complicated by the expense of constant turnover.  Read Story

Number of employer, private plans decreases; government plans grow

The percentage of people without health insurance last year was not statistically different from 2009, although the number of people enrolled in employer-sponsored plans and private health insurance decreased, a government agency says.  Read Story

Farmers Insurance plans to raise premiums 9.9 percent for homeowners statewide next March.

Eight arrested, two more sought in N.C. staged auto accident case

Eight people accused of participating in a staged auto-accident fraud scheme in North Carolina were arrested and authorities were seeking two more alleged participants.  Read Story

Half of Texas physicians would consider withdrawing from the Medicare program if Congress allows a forthcoming deep cut in reimbursement payments, Texas Medical Association officials said Thursday.

EquiTrust Life Insurance being acquired by financial services firm

Guggenheim Partners, a diversified financial services firm, is buying EquiTrust Life Insurance Co. from its parent, FBL Financial Group.  Read Story

Allstate completes Esurance, Answer Financial deal

The Allstate Corp. has closed its acquisition of Esurance and Answer Financial from White Mountains Insurance Group for about $1 billion.  Read Story

Palisades Cos.’ Fernandez honored with award from National PIA

Edward J. Fernandez, president of Palisades Cos., was named the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) 2011 Company Representative of the Year at the group's recent meeting in San Francisco.  Read Story

Gallagher buys MGA for ‘solid wholesale presence’ in Midwest

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is acquiring S. A. Freerks & Associates, a St. Louis-based managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker.  Read Story

Oct. 7 (Bloomberg) — Harleysville Mutual Insurance Co. directors may draw scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest when customers are asked to approve the sale of the company and its ...  Read →  Read Story